As expected, restricted free agent Victor Cruz didn’t show up for the first day of the Giants’ offseason program, according to multiple media reports.

Cruz has not signed his $2.879 million tender (which has a first-round designation), so it doesn’t make sense for him to show up and risk injury. Although NFL teams have until Friday to sign him to an offer sheet, Cruz reportedly has told his agents that he wants them to focus on working out a long-term deal to stay with the Giants. ESPN reported last month that Cruz would not receive an offer sheet from another team.

Restricted free agents rarely are signed to offer sheets, so the Giants are not feeling pressure to sign Cruz immediately. Both sides are hopeful of reaching a long-term agreement before training camp.

Cruz caught passes from Eli Manning last week at Duke University, so he is making an effort to stay sharp and be a team player. That will only help him in negotiations.

Meanwhile, Hakeem Nicks, who battled injuries and had a subpar 2012 season, participated in Monday's workouts.

"I kept it simple because it was my first time running routes," said Nicks, who has been running full speed for a couple of weeks. "I wasn't about to go out there and—it's still early right now. So my biggest thing is that I want my presence to be felt there with Eli. Because it is something that I do week to week. We're on the same page."

Manning was thrilled to see Nicks on the field.

"It is always good to see him back healthy," Manning said in a release by the team. "He is still striving to get to 100 percent. Obviously, having a healthy Hakeem would definitely make our team much better."